The league’s coaches and athletes welcome the return of the sport since it was eliminated from the Toledo Public Schools in 2010 as part of budget cuts.

"It took a lot of effort," said Waite coach Shane Kokensparger, who, along with several others, campaigned to have wrestling reinstated. "It keeps kids in TPS and helps keep kids out of trouble. It's definitely an asset."

Now the work on the mat becomes the focus for the six CL schools.

All of the teams have been affected from a competitive and inexperience standpoint by not having wrestling for three years.

Wrestlers from Waite and Bowsher spent time during the summer participating in summer camps.

The Indians, with more than 40 wrestlers, are considered the frontrunners for the league championship.

Rogers coach Bradley Stanton said Waite is clearly the team to beat.

"They're really the only team in the City League with wrestlers with any experience," Stanton said.

Here is a look at the teams in predicted order of finish:

Waite entered this week with an impressive 10-4 dual meet record, which includes placing high in two tournaments.

Krys Young, junior at 113 pounds, has been an early-season bright spot. He's 12-1 with 12 pins and has been named the most valuable wrestler in two tournaments.

Senior Roqueit Jackson (285), juniors James Johnson (152), Jose Compos (126), Nick Jensen (170), Elias Moreno (145), and Juan Moreno (132), and sophomore Donte' Nelson (160) are also being counted on to help the Indians make a strong return to the mat.

"I want us to be able to go out and compete every day," Kokensparger said. "Our goal is to go out and compete in every meet and finish in the Top 10 in tournaments."

Young, Compos, and Johnson have the potential to make a run at qualifying for the state tournament.

Rebels coach Chad Wojciechowski has enough wrestlers to fill a complete starting lineup, which is something some CL teams may struggle to do.

"Despite our lack of experience, we have 25 kids coming to practice and working hard every day," Wojciechowski said. "We should be very capable of finishing in the top three of the City tournament, and only getting better in the upcoming years."

Stevie Johnson (215), who opened the season with an 8-2 record, and Nick Karnowski (171), who is 8-3, are two looking to contend for CL titles.

Scott coach Roshawn Jones is another coach working with inexperienced wrestlers that has him encouraged about a bright future.

"No one is experienced," Jones said. "It's going to be hard, but all we can do is just jump right in and get them some experience."

He filled his roster by reaching out to the football team for athletes he felt capable of making the transition to competing on the mat.

Junior Dakari Adams (22) has held his own through the first part of the season, finishing third at the Northwood Invitational. Junior Glen Joyce (160) placed sixth at the event, while senior Deangelo Gaston (182) finished sixth.